HR MATTERS 10-02-2009

Q: I am 30 years old. I am in the final year of BTech in mechanical engineering. I had earlier completed a diploma in the same subject. I have around two years’ experience in sales in the information technology sector. I intend to do a masters in business management but am confused about whether I should go for a full-time programme or an executive one.

Soumojit Dasgupta

A: It is better to do a full-time MBA programme, but in your case you need to consider that age is not on your side. By the time you would be ready for a job, you would be 32. It might be a better option to go for a part-time, three-year MBA or an executive MBA, wherein you would be studying as well as working. Hence, by the time you complete MBA, you would also have acquired considerable work experience.

Q:I graduated in commerce in 2004 and hold a diploma in financial accounting. I have two years’ experience in marketing and finance. I am currently working in a construction company. Now I wish to do an executive MBA. Which subject should I specialise in?

Amit Kumar Saha

A:Since you have a degree in commerce and have also gained some experience in the financial sector, you can choose finance as a subject. This would complement your basic degree and also your work experience. If you have an interest in other streams like marketing or HR, you may also consider doing an MBA in these disciplines.

Q:I completed MCA in 2006 and have been working as a junior research fellow-cum-programmer in an R&D organisation on contract for one year and eight months. My contract will terminate in April 2009. I am finding it difficult to get a job in the IT sector due to the recession. Is there any prospect for me in the BPO sector? Is it possible for me to pursue a career in HR? Will it help if I switch to BPO or HR and pursue an MBA through distance education? Which branch of MBA — finance, marketing or HR — will be beneficial for me?

Debabrata Pal

A: The IT sector has put a freeze on recruitment due to the recession and the global financial crisis. Similar is the case with BPOs, but on a lesser scale. Do not lose focus and remember “every adversity provides an opportunity”. If you have mapped your career, stick to it. If you are interested in HR, this may be the right time to go in for studies and acquire the requisite qualification.

Q:I have been working as a lecturer in commerce in a private college for the last two and a half years. I am 31 years old and my qualifications are MCom and PhD. My area of interest is accounting and finance. Which courses should I pursue to cope with the present changing needs and enhance my qualification?

Som Sankar Sen

A:It needs to be understood why you want to enhance your qualification. You need to analyse what are your career goals are and where you want to go. Your current job may not require any additional qualification, but if you are seeking a change, you can opt for any professional degree / diploma in the finance domain. It may be beneficial if you enrol for a part-time MBA in finance.

Q:I am a hotel management student and have just completed internship. My friends tell me that the starting pay is low, even in a top hotel. I am totally confused but can’t leave the course midway. Should I look for a job in any other sector?

Siddharth Choudhury

A:It does not make sense to seek a career in some other discipline after studying hotel management. You should have thought about it earlier. Please remember that there are no “good” or “bad” jobs. All are equal, some are more glamourous than others. There are several jobs in a five-star hotel and you need to choose what suits your temperament best. Do not make a decision based on what others say.

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